How over 30 people have drowned in Nigeria since the beginning of 2024

Since the beginning of 2024, over 30 people have tragically lost their lives. Results from Within Nigeria reveal that a series of boating and swimming pool accidents have resulted in the death of more than 30 persons across the country, with most of these accidents recorded in Lagos State.

Recently, 11-year-old Iremide Opeifa reportedly drowned in a swimming pool at the Grand Bank Link Hotel, Idiroko Road, Sango Ota Local Government Area of ​​Ogun State. Another boating accident occurred on April 11, involving popular actor Junior Pope and three colleagues. They drowned in the Anambra River while returning from a filming location in Anambra State.

In the same month, Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesman for the Lagos State Police, announced that no fewer than seven people had died by drowning within six days, describing their deaths as “preventable”.

On January 10, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Erastus Awortu, Rivers State, confirmed the death of 11 persons in a boating accident on the Andoni-Bonny waterway in Andoni Local Government Area of ​​the state. Three days later, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced that five persons had drowned at Lagos Bar Beach in Lagos in the last 12 days (January 1-12).

On February 22, it was reported that Lagos-based Prophet Oriyomi Damilola drowned during a beach party in the Ajah area of ​​the state to celebrate this year's Valentine's Day. Also, five days later, another boating accident was recorded in the same state. Three persons drowned when a passenger boat capsized along the Ibeshe-Ikorodu channel.

Ways to prevent drowning accidents

The Association of Water Sports ProfessionalsHis tips for preventing drowning discusses: One of the most effective ways to promote awareness of water safety is through education. This can be done through a variety of channels, including signage, brochures, and safety talks.

“Signage is an effective way to promote water safety awareness. Place signs around the pool area reminding swimmers of safety rules and precautions, such as 'Do not run,' 'Do not dive,' 'Swim with a partner,' and 'Stay within reach of children.'” Adding that “these signs should be prominently displayed and strategically placed, such as near the pool entrance, diving board, and shallow end.”

The association also stressed that safety talks on various topics such as pool rules, CPR and emergency procedures are another effective way to promote water safety awareness, while promoting swimming lessons.

“Offering swimming lessons for participants of all ages and skill levels, including children, adults and seniors, can be the foundation of any aquatic program. Swimming lessons not only teach participants how to swim, but also teach them important water safety skills, such as how to float, tread water and perform basic rescue techniques. By offering swimming lessons, you can give participants the knowledge and skills they need to be safe in and around the water,” the association noted.